[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
0
1
842
4801
40
9
5895
11.1539
Mother Nature and Father Time have taken their toll on a
Perham landmark. The grandstand at
Perham’s Al Krueger Field has been deemed unsafe, and plans are underway to
demolish the structure.
Perham Activities Director Fred Sailer brought together a
number of “baseball” people on Jan. 18 to begin discussion on how to handle the
situation, and how to move forward.
The grandstand was built as a WPA project in the
1930’s. Originally, only the
center section was covered. The
rest of the grandstand was covered later on. At this time the poles that
support the roof have rotted to the point that future repairs defy common
sense. Furthermore, areas of seating support are failing.
Complicating issues is that there really is no owner for the
ballpark.
“In reality it is owned by the city of Perham and used by
the high school, summer recreation, East Ottertail County fair, and numerous
community events,” Sailer said in an e-mail to potential supporters. “The
city is not in a position to demolish and rebuild, nor is the fair board or
school.”
It was decided by all present at the Jan. 18 meeting that
for safety reasons, the grandstand needed to be demolished.
That won’t be as easy as just knocking it down, as there are
a lot of electrical concerns regarding the stadium lights to consider before
clearing the site.
“It appears that the current wiring configuration is in
violation of code and that specific transformers to each pole should be reduced
to one transformer,” Sailer noted. “Otter Tail Power may be able to
assist use in advising the best means to resolve this issue.”
Perham City manager Kelsey Klemm agreed to draw up an RFP
for demolition of the grand stands with a goal of the end February to have the
grand stands razed.
Discussion quickly turned to “replacing a landmark, with a
landmark.”
With a lot of long-time area baseball guys in the room, it
was obvious there was some sentiment to what Al Krueger Field represents to
area ball players.
“It’s by far the best place to play in the area,” said Tony
Stoll, a long time player and architect at BHH Partners. Sailer mentioned how the East Grand
Forks baseball team requested to play here when they had flood related field
issues.
“So much of where I am currently is traced to everything
that took place inside that park and outside the white lines,” said Al Hanson,
a member of the Perham Pirate 1984 State Class B 3rd place team, currently
residing in Eden Prairie. “I
probably will never sit in that park again, but will certainly contribute via
donation.”
But, of course, nothing is free. Although it was made clear that the field, and a grandstand
that made the ballpark a Perham landmark, was important to the city, the
school, and all those in attendance.
With issues of how things might get paid for set aside
momentarily, discussion was held in regard to potential replacement
facility. There was general consensus that seating would be reduced from
approximately 700 in the current structure, to 450, with 6-8 rows and the
plywood façade replaced with brick.
“It would be our desire to replace a 75 year landmark with
another landmark that will last 75 years,” Sailer said.
Seating would be steel and a roof would cover the center
section. Seating would be placed on a concrete slab, and a press box
would be added to the back row of seats in the center section.
While this is still in the early stages, estimates of
$200,000-$250-000 were expressed.
Three committees were formed from this initial meeting. All committees will remain open to new
members.
Steering Committee: This group would oversee all phases of
the process including media, contracting, schedule, budget etc. Current
members include Bob Schepper, John George, and one of three city administrators
(Kelsey Klemm, Merle Meece, or Chuck Johnson).
Design and Construction Committee: Tony Stoll and Todd
Barney
Fundraising committee: Larry Mollins, Greg Schmid and Fred
Sailer.
It was also discussed that in addition to building a new
grandstand, other improvements to the ballpark should be considered, such
as: improvements to the infield
and bullpens, a “face lift” for the dugouts, and additional storage under the
new grandstand.
“We don’t know if this will take 5 months, or 5 years, but
it’s something that needs to get done, one way or another,” Sailer said.
In the short-term, getting a new concrete slab as soon as
the old grandstand is gone was discussed, and then bringing in temporary
bleachers. A new backstop will
have to be among the 1st items on the new construction list.
In recent years, the field has hosted several regional and
state tournaments; including the Babe Ruth State Tournament, and the VFW State
Tournament. The field was the home of the 1966 Class 'B' State Champions,
and was co-host, along with Wadena, of the 1995 State Amateur Baseball
Tournament. The F-M RedHawks and Concordia Cobbers have also played
exhibition games at Krueger Field.
Team's calling Krueger Field home include: The Perham
Yellowjackets (high school); the Perham Pirates (Men's Amateur);
the Perham Buzz (American Legion); the Perham Stingers (VFW);
and the 2011 State Champion Perham Silver Pirates (Senior Men's Amateur).
The Perham Babe Ruth team's also play occasional games at Krueger Field.
Several fundraising ideas were discussed, but will be
gone into with more detail once final cost estimates are completed. Several grants will be considered, as
well as fundraising drives with area businesses and ballplayers.
If you would like more information on the project, or to
volunteer or contribute, please contact Fred Sailer at Perham High School,
346-1615, fsailer@perham.k12.mn.us; or e-mail LakesAreaSports@arvig.net.
Scores & Schedules
Print this Story
Email this Story
Photo Gallery
